Jack Ellison Poet Narrative

From a Criminal To a War Hero

True story, my uncle was a famous safe cracker

Before becoming a soldier in World War I

Known to police in New York City for robbery

The army wanted his skills against the Huns

Employed him to defuse bombs the Germans threw

In the trenches around the front lines

And also to defuse all the mines around them

Till the end of the war was showing signs

Dying in the war he received a medal of honour

Posthumously for his heroic bravery

Made amends for his past so unsavoury

When I came along I was named after him

Quite a hero I always looked up to

Before the war, a criminal known to police 

After death got the recognition he was due



© Jack Ellison 2015

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Debbie Duncan February 22, 2015 at 10:02 PM Fascinating story :) Hello Jack ! Jack Ellison February 23, 2015 at 6:23 AM And true! Thanks dear Debbie for coming by! Hugs, Jack xxx

Carol Eastman February 22, 2015 at 7:54 AM Ouch! I think I would have been a reluctant hero... I would have said fire in the hole and ran for cover... He HAD to be VERY BRAVE to do that... and must of had a steady hand. I'm glad he's not forgotten after his sacrifice for others... Jack Ellison February 22, 2015 at 8:44 AM I heard his criminal activities were long forgotten after the war! A true hero! xoxox